My Uncle died of untreated pneumonia in Oregon State Hospital recently. He never married or had any children. He has a sister who is my Mother, and I was his niece who he appointed to handle his advanced directive. I made his funeral arrangements and later heard from the state hospital that he had funds in trust, and that since I am his next of kin they are sending me an affidavit to sign to send to the county so that the funds can be released to me. Question: Is there a law in Oregon that only the spouse or child of the deseased can receive these funds?

Unless left to a specific person named in the trust, they would go to the estate to be given to the legal next of kin. ( that would normally be your mother in this case.

The advanced directive would be about his health care and any legal obligation and any legal authority to act on his behalf ended at this death.

Unless left to a specific person named in the trust, they would go to the estate to be given to the legal next of kin. ( that would normally be your mother in this case.

The advanced directive would be about his health care and any legal obligation and any legal authority to act on his behalf ended at this death.


Thank you for your quick response... I received instructions for filing for a small estate with the an affidavit to fill out. The dirtections only mention that a spouse or child or grandchild can file. Since there is none, do I need to use a different form for next of kin?